284: The shy Pingyang

When Shen Xinrong and Yue Xiyan spoke those words, it was like dropping two stones into a calm lake.

Princess Pingyang, who had simply been waiting normally, and Yue Qingmeng, who was curiously looking around, immediately had their gazes filled with curiosity and scrutiny.

They scrutinized Li Shengyuan from head to toe, as if trying to find some clue on him.

However, all the women present had an extraordinary relationship with Li Shengyuan; they had all been intimate with him and experienced life and death together!

They held no worldly reservations in their hearts, but rather carried a mix of teasing and understanding.

Seeing that Li Shengyuan merely smiled without speaking, Shen Xinrong smiled again, her eyes twinkling with amusement as she proactively "explained" for him:

"Speaking of which, the Empress Dowager personally visited the manor this afternoon to discuss the engagement with Shengyuan's parents and grandfather. She said that she had already cleared it with you and Her Majesty in the palace."

She deliberately drew out her tone, looking mischievously at Li Shengyuan, "It seems, ah, that although some people are Her Majesty, they couldn't endure the pain of lovesickness. They just set the engagement, and already couldn't wait?"

"But then again, you two, as master and disciple, have a deep relationship. After spending so much time together, it should naturally happen."

Yue Xiyan and the other two also nodded in agreement.

Shen Xinrong's tone was relaxed, carrying friendly teasing, and she continued, "If you ask me, you shouldn't have come back tonight. You should be spending more time with Her Majesty in the palace!"

"Don't worry, we sisters are all reasonable people and won't overthink it."

As she spoke, she winked at Princess Pingyang and Yue Xiyan.

Princess Pingyang's cheeks flushed slightly upon hearing this, but she smiled and nodded.

Although Yue Xiyan did not express an opinion, her gaze softened considerably, which counted as tacit approval.

Yue Qingmeng needed no mention.

Li Shengyuan looked at their "we understand everything" expressions, feeling somewhat exasperated and couldn't help but roll his eyes helplessly.

He naturally wouldn't reveal at this moment that he had been with Zixuan. Since Zixuan temporarily didn't want to confess, he respected her wishes.

Moreover, meeting secretly with the Xuanyi Guard Commander within the palace walls, even if the knowledge only circulated among a few people, would not be good for Zixuan's reputation.

Thus, he put on a righteous appearance and shook his head in denial, saying, "Stop guessing wildly."

"My Senior Sister and I reunited after a long separation, so naturally, we had many serious matters to discuss regarding court arrangements and overseas follow-up, which is why I was delayed slightly. How could it be as you imagine?"

His serious tone actually made Shen Xinrong and the others somewhat surprised.

They exchanged glances, all seeing confusion in each other's eyes. Could they really have guessed wrong?

But how could they explain the subtle aura they had sensed?

Could it be that they only kissed, touched, and hugged?

If they could endure just that, then Her Majesty truly was extraordinary!

Seeing that he had successfully aroused their suspicion, Li Shengyuan immediately and subtly changed the subject.

He turned his gaze to Princess Pingyang, who had already lowered her head in embarrassment and was twisting the corner of her clothes because of the mention of the "engagement discussion," and asked gently:

"Speaking of which, the Empress Dowager came today. How did the discussion turn out? Have any procedures been decided?"

This question immediately drew everyone's attention.

After all, this engagement concerned the future of several women present.

Furthermore, the fact that the Empress Dowager, representing the woman's side, personally came to discuss the engagement showed how much she valued this matter.

However, if it was to select an Imperial Husband for Female Emperor Mu Qingning, then her proactively coming forward made sense.

Sure enough, when Princess Pingyang heard the topic shift to herself, her already flushed cheeks instantly turned crimson, like a ripe apple.

She was too shy to look up, and her voice was as faint as a mosquito's buzz, carrying obvious bashfulness:

"M-Mother and Grandfather Li... are still looking for an auspicious date... Th-They said they want to choose the best day... H-How would I know so much..."

Her infinitely shy and flustered maidenly demeanor immediately dispersed the subtle speculation from earlier.

Li Shengyuan also looked at Princess Pingyang with a smile, his heart softening. He raised his hand to gently stroke her hair and chuckled softly:

"No rush, it's not like you can run away!"

This caused both Shen Xinrong and Yue Xiyan to burst into laughter.

Yue Qingmeng looked at her older sister, who usually took her everywhere to play, now acting so shy, and couldn't help but tease Princess Pingyang with a smile.

The atmosphere in the courtyard became relaxed and warm once again.

Yue Xiyan couldn't help but recall the scene when they were at Yuehua Palace... Having family witness it truly felt wonderful!